Incense Box in the Shape of a Book

Incense Box in the Shape of a Book

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The old couple beneath the pine depicted on the book-shaped cover refer to the legent of the spirit of the gods of Sumiyoshi and Takasago. On the ivory inner tray is a still-life arrangement of Noh mask, mask box, hand drum and props for the auspicious dance of the old man in the play Okina. Around the sides of the box is a scattering of plum blossoms, pine cones and bamboo leaves, a delightful reference to the auspicious "Three Friends of Winter", the pine, bamboo and plum, which gladden the winter with their evergreen foliage and early blossom and are thus emblematic of long life and fortitude.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Incense Box in the Shape of a BookIncense Box in the Shape of a BookIncense Box in the Shape of a BookIncense Box in the Shape of a BookIncense Box in the Shape of a Book

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.